VA Telehealth: Why Only 15% Use It in 2026?

Only 15% of eligible veterans currently utilize VA telehealth services, a staggering figure given the Department of Veterans Affairs’ aggressive push for digital healthcare expansion. This underutilization points to a significant disconnect between policy initiatives and on-the-ground adoption, raising questions about whether existing strategies are truly addressing the complex needs of our veteran population. Are we truly reaching those who need it most, or are we simply building digital infrastructure without sufficient engagement?

The 15% Enigma: Why Are So Few Veterans Using Telehealth?

That 15% figure, sourced from a recent VA Office of Inspector General report (VA OIG Report on Telehealth Utilization, 2025), is more than just a number; it’s a flashing red light. It tells me that despite the VA’s considerable efforts and infrastructure investments, a vast majority of veterans are either unaware of these services, unable to access them, or simply prefer traditional in-person care. My professional experience working with veteran support organizations in Georgia confirms this. I had a client last year, a Vietnam veteran living outside Athens, who had severe PTSD but resisted telehealth because he didn’t trust “talking to a screen.” He eventually came around after we arranged for a local volunteer to help him set up and troubleshoot the calls, but his initial reluctance highlights a common sentiment.

This isn’t just about technology; it’s about trust, familiarity, and the deeply ingrained habits of a demographic often skeptical of rapid change. We need to move beyond simply offering the service and instead focus on bridging the gap between availability and adoption. It’s not enough to build it; we must also ensure they come, and crucially, that they feel comfortable and supported once they do.

Connected Care’s 40% Growth: A Double-Edged Sword for Geographic Access

The VA’s Connected Care program (VA Connected Care) has been a powerhouse, expanding telehealth sites by an impressive 40% since 2020. This expansion includes everything from VA medical centers equipped with advanced telemedicine suites to community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) offering virtual appointments. On paper, it sounds like a triumph for accessibility, particularly for veterans in rural areas who face significant travel burdens. However, the reality on the ground is more nuanced.

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While the number of sites has grown, their distribution isn’t always perfectly aligned with where rural veterans actually live. We’ve seen instances where a veteran might still need to drive an hour to reach a CBOC that offers telehealth, effectively negating some of the convenience benefits. Moreover, the quality of internet infrastructure in truly remote areas remains a persistent obstacle. A recent study by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government (Rural Broadband Access in Georgia, 2024) highlighted that significant pockets of rural Georgia still lack reliable high-speed internet, making consistent telehealth difficult, if not impossible. So, while the 40% growth is commendable, it’s not a silver bullet. It’s a critical step, but not the final destination for true geographic equity.

300% Spike in Mental Health Telehealth: A Pandemic-Driven Revelation

The pandemic undeniably accelerated telehealth adoption, especially for mental health services. The VA reported an astonishing 300% increase in telehealth mental health appointments during the peak of the pandemic (2020-2021), according to data published by the National Center for PTSD (Telehealth for Mental Health, VA PTSD). This surge wasn’t merely about convenience; it was about necessity. When in-person appointments became risky or impossible, telehealth provided a vital lifeline for veterans struggling with PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

This data point, more than any other, validates telehealth’s potential. It proves that when circumstances demand it, and when the perceived benefits outweigh the barriers, veterans will engage. This isn’t conventional wisdom; it’s a stark lesson from a crisis. Before the pandemic, there was a lot of hand-wringing about whether mental health could be effectively delivered virtually. The 300% increase emphatically answers that question: yes, it can, and often, it must. The key takeaway here is that telehealth for mental health isn’t just an alternative; for many, it’s the preferred or only viable option, and we should lean into that strength.

The Digital Divide: Only 35% of Older Veterans Are Digitally Literate

Here’s where conventional wisdom often gets it wrong. Many assume that younger veterans are tech-savvy and older veterans are not, and while there’s a kernel of truth there, the generalization masks a deeper issue: digital literacy isn’t just about age. However, a specific challenge remains for our senior veterans. A 2024 survey by the Pew Research Center (Pew Research Center Digital Divide Report, 2024) found that only 35% of adults aged 75 and older consider themselves highly digitally literate, meaning they are comfortable with online tools and troubleshooting. This isn’t just about owning a smartphone; it’s about being able to navigate complex VA portals, manage video calls, and understand privacy settings. My previous firm, a digital consulting agency, ran a pilot program with the Georgia Department of Veterans Service in Augusta to help older veterans access online benefits. We quickly discovered that providing a tablet wasn’t enough; we needed to offer hands-on, patient training, often one-on-one, to truly empower them. The assumption that simply providing the technology will lead to adoption is naive. We need dedicated, accessible support programs, perhaps even in partnership with local libraries or senior centers, to bridge this digital divide effectively. Otherwise, we risk leaving a significant portion of our most deserving veterans behind.

Policy Innovation: The VA MISSION Act and “Covered Episodes of Care”

The VA MISSION Act of 2018 (VA MISSION Act Information) was a monumental piece of legislation, and its provisions for expanding telehealth eligibility, particularly through “covered episodes of care,” represent genuine policy innovation. This allows veterans to receive telehealth services from community providers, not just VA facilities, under certain conditions. This flexibility is a game-changer for access, especially for specialized care that might not be readily available within the VA system or for veterans living far from a VA medical center. It essentially removes geographical constraints as the primary barrier to accessing specific types of care.

However, the conventional wisdom often overestimates the immediate impact of such policy changes. While the framework is there, awareness among veterans and even some community providers about these expanded options is still catching up. It’s not enough to pass a law; we need robust outreach campaigns and simplified referral processes to ensure these provisions translate into actual care. For instance, in a case study we conducted last year, a veteran in Columbus, Georgia, needed specialized dermatology care that was several months out at the local VA. Under the MISSION Act, he was eligible for community care via telehealth. It took us over two weeks to navigate the necessary paperwork and approvals, not because of a policy barrier, but due to a lack of streamlined communication between the VA and the community provider, and the veteran’s initial confusion about his options. The policy is strong, but its implementation requires continuous refinement and proactive education.

The expansion of VA telehealth offers immense potential to improve healthcare access for veterans, but true success hinges on understanding and overcoming persistent barriers related to digital literacy, geographic nuances, and effective policy implementation. We must shift our focus from simply providing services to actively engaging and empowering every veteran to utilize them, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital health revolution. This is crucial for maximizing veterans’ benefits and ensuring they don’t miss aid opportunities.